I have not had much luck with a drop spindle. I feel like I need one more hand to make it all work. I can't tell you yet about how well I take to the wheel. Hopefully a lot better since I just bought one.

I think it is definately worth a try to learn drop spindle. I plan on keeping at it for at least a little while longer.

The spindle is something that requires some patience with the learning curve. I was horribly frustrated when I began - leader yarn breaking, much swearing. I'd say that now I'm probably a mediocre spinner - I can get it moving but I lack the fine control for specific yarns. This is all because I don't take the trouble to practice more often, though.

It is a skill worth learning, and the drop spindle is definitely the most affordable way to get experience. The key is to have patience with yourself, and if the books don't work for you, try to find someone at your LYS or community ed office that can find a course for you. Sometimes it just takes learning from someone face to face - seeing it helps you put together what your own hands ought to be doing.

I mentioned this before somewhere, but I finally got TWO spindles last Oct at my local big wool & sheep festival. I wanted a spindle for a year and finally found the ones I really liked at the festival. Annnnnnd, I haven't tried spinning yet. I just keep looking forward to it and don't do it.
Procratinator Extraordinaire

I have a really good book on it too. The one spindle I got is so beautiful, it cost $36 or something near there. One is smaller and the other a big guy.
I'm definitely going to try this any day now. I think I'd like in person lessons though... it's just they're so expensive around NYC. a drag
Like $200.

Do you get DIY? Knitty Gritty has a spinning episode, and it airs again on Feb. 9 at 11:30 a.m. eastern. In it, Liz Gipson demonstrates how to use a drop spindle. Also, here's a link to an online tutorial of sorts. I'm sure there are lots of other sites out there; I just like Mielke's Fiber Arts!

When I finally get a spindle ( :rollseyes: ), I'm going to try to use the KG episode and the online thing...*fingers crossed that it works*

When I finally get a spindle ( :rollseyes: ), I'm going to try to use the KG episode and the online thing...*fingers crossed that it works*

Do you have a couple old CD's? I believe this same Knitty Gritty has instructions on how to make a spindle from 2 old cd's and a dowel rod.

Also a TERRIFIC book for drop spindle is called Spin it by Lee Raven

I have just pulled this book out again to re-read it and I wish I had read it closer the first time I think I would have done better. I am going to take my time this time and do the little teaching exercises she gives that I skipped last time. Who knows I may figure out this spindle thing after all.